FLN has asked Head Coach Doug Shanahan of St. Brendan High School in Miami to continue to share his thoughts on how he is building his new program through what is now their second season and Doug has graciously agreed to do so. Here is his latest submission! We thank Doug for taking the time to do this and letting our readers experience this unique insight.   Finding a way to win this past week was the team focus, and a skill that is often overlooked and under-appreciated. You are not always going to be at your best, but giving your best effort on a particular day is the key. Our boys played their last 3 game week of the season and found ways to win each game differently. This is really important for team growth. Last week we found ourselves in two, one goal games in the fourth quarter, versus LaSalle  and Westminster. Our boys really gave their best effort in the final quarters of each game and we were able to significantly expand the leads and finish strong.     When dealing with high school players, whose expectations are sometimes that games are probably going to be easy, their mentality often sets them up for a ‘dog fight’.  The coaching staff always try and keep our boys focused on what they are bringing the table, we focus on playing our best and try to manage their psyche to be as consistent as possible. Our leader on the field, Carlos Clavijo, is doing just that. He has 4 games where he has made 10 goals per game plus 3 other games of 7 goals. This is a really impressive accomplishment, at any level of lacrosse. I was pleased we were able to find a way to win all 3 games last week, and finish with a program day on Friday versus John Carroll, I can’t say it enough about the importance of everyone getting some playing time throughout the season. It really helps the team chemistry, and the bond between “brothers in arms” strengthens.     Tomorrow is the biggest game in our short history, it is a playoff game of sorts. Actually it’s a play-in game for the final playoff spot in District 30. We need to be at our best versus Miami Country Day for 48 minutes of lacrosse. The game is followed by North Broward Prep on Wednesday, another opponent that we also need to be at our best for. (Editor’s note:  Unfortunately SB lost the game to Miami Country Day so the goal to make Districts will be pushed back to next year.  Just another item for motivation for Coach Shanahan’s kids for the summer!)   Go Sabres! — Doug Shanahan St Brendan High School Assistant Athletic Director Lacrosse Director & Head Coach